I wasn't sure where to post this, but I cannot give presentations.I freak out every time and I just look at my notes or my PowerPoint and just read it in a monotone voice. And that's after I can actually do anything. I am panicked, I can't breathe, and I am shaking so much that I can't even read my notes. Right now I am reviewing my PowerPoint and my mind and body are just shutting down out of complete fear and I haven't even started rehearsing the presentation yet. I've taken 2 speech classes before and I've researched every different way of trying to cope with this but nothing helps. It's just a quick, few-minute-long presentation and I've been nervous about it all semester long. I don't know what to do. Does anyone have any ideas that could help?
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Presentation Anxiety
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It's a very common problem. Have you been to a doctor about it? There are a couple of medication options: a beta-blocker will cut down the racing heart, which calms down the other symptoms as well, without affecting your head in any way; or if you need something stronger a benzodiazepine will cut the anxiety effectively, though it will make you feel a bit groggy. You can also self-medicate with alcohol, but you have to be careful with the dose.If you want to avoid medication it's possible that hypnotherapy might help; or perhaps just joining an organisation like Toastmasters and giving lots of presentations until they become ordinary.
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I use to have the same problem. What I did was made myself think i was doing this all on my own. I flip out so bad one time I didnt go back to school for 3 weeks. It takes time and you have to calm down. Just walk away when you feel it coming on. If you keep sitting there with your anxiety and don't try to overcome it then it will overcome you.
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Is the problem with all types of crowds or just a particular set. I actually gave give a speech flawlessly of a room full of 4000 people, but when it come to a small gathering of friends and family Its hard for me to get words out right. It's all about the different types of pressure you may feel.I think with any anxiety, fear, or skill with practice makes perfect. As cliche as it sounds forcing yourself to speak in public more will help you grow confidence. Also a few tips that I use for myself, is that I try not to take myself too seriously. If i mess up during a presentation I don't pretend like it never happened. I publicly acknowledge my error and make a joke about it with my audience, that way I know they aren't dwelling on my mistake, because I already showed I was self aware. When they laugh and you laugh, it just eases the tension.